Maamoul Recipe from Lebanon - Delicious Semolina Cookies with Walnut Filling

Maamoul

Maamoul Recipe from Lebanon - Delicious Semolina Cookies with Walnut Filling
Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 2 days | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 20

Introduction

Maamoul
Maamoul

Maamoul is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular during festive occasions such as Eid and Easter. These delicate cookies are filled with a sweet mixture of nuts and sugar, making them a delightful treat for any time of the year.

History

Maamoul has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries, with each region putting its own unique twist on the recipe. The cookies are often made in large batches to be shared with family and friends during special celebrations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Prepare the dough by combining smeed, samneh, and boiling water.
  2. Knead the mixture well until thoroughly combined.
  3. Cover the dough tightly and let it rest overnight.
  4. On the second day, knead the dough again until thoroughly mixed and form it into small balls. Hollow out the centers of the balls.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, nuts, and flavorings. Fill the hollow centers of the dough balls with this mixture.
  6. Press the dough back over the filling to seal it.
  7. Place each cookie onto a buttered baking pan and flatten them using the tines of a fork for decoration.
  8. Alternatively, use carved molds made in Lebanon specifically for this purpose to shape the dough.
  9. Bake the cookies in a moderate oven until they are lightly browned.
  10. While still hot, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Variations

  • Try using different types of nuts such as pistachios or almonds in the filling.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the sugar and nut mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a fork to create decorative patterns on the cookies before baking.

- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm to create a sweet glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maamoul with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a fork to create decorative patterns on the cookies before baking.

- Make sure to seal the filling well inside the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have samneh, you can use butter or margarine as a substitute.

- You can use different types of sugar such as brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the cookies just before baking for a convenient make-ahead option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Maamoul on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Maamoul with a cup of hot Arabic coffee or a glass of sweet tea for a traditional Middle Eastern pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Maamoul in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maamoul contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maamoul contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maamoul contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maamoul contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maamoul is a good source of vitamin E and magnesium due to the nuts used in the filling.

Alergens

Maamoul contains nuts and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Maamoul is a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats due to the nuts and shortening used in the recipe.

Summary

Maamoul is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With a sweet nut filling encased in a buttery dough, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the well-worn index cards, I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper with the title "Maamoul" scrawled across the top.

I had never heard of Maamoul before, but the ingredients listed - semolina flour, butter, sugar, and dates - intrigued me. I knew immediately that I had to try making it.

I called my mother to ask her about the recipe, but she didn't remember where it came from. She simply said that it was a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that had been passed down through the generations.

Determined to uncover the origins of this mysterious recipe, I set out to do some research. I combed through cookbooks, scoured the internet, and even reached out to friends and family members in search of more information.

After weeks of digging, I finally hit the jackpot. I discovered that Maamoul is a popular dessert in Lebanon, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries. It is typically made during religious holidays and special occasions, such as Eid al-Fitr and Easter.

I was thrilled to have unlocked the secrets of this delectable treat, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at making it. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen.

The process of making Maamoul was intricate and time-consuming, but I relished every moment. I mixed the semolina flour with melted butter and sugar to create a crumbly dough, then shaped it into small balls and filled them with a sweet date paste.

As the Maamoul baked in the oven, the sweet scent of dates and butter filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood. I remembered the countless hours I had spent in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, learning the art of cooking and baking.

When the Maamoul emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded. The delicate pastries were a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that was truly irresistible.

I shared the Maamoul with my family and friends, who marveled at the unique flavors and textures. They couldn't believe that I had stumbled upon such a hidden gem of a recipe, and they begged me to make it again and again.

As I continued to make Maamoul over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different fillings and garnishes. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.

Now, whenever I make Maamoul, I am reminded of that fateful day when I unearthed the recipe in my mother's old recipe box. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to our loved ones.

And so, the story of Maamoul has become a cherished chapter in my culinary journey, a testament to the enduring legacy of family recipes and the joy of sharing them with others.

Categories

| Lebanese Recipes | Lebanese Snacks | Rose Water Recipes | Semolina Recipes | Snack Recipes | Walnut Recipes |

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